Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
men mustered into service by the county.--capture of four Yankees — Latest News from the North--coastwise Guard.
Mathews C. H., June 27, 1861.
In nearly every impression of your paper have appeared letters from other sections of the State with reference to their military strength, and to what they have contributed to the war. The unusual alliance of our people must not lead your readers to suppose that we are not active in preparing to repel the lawless Lincoln hordes that temporarily threaten our peace and independence.
Though our situation is more accessible to the enemy than any other county or counties in the State except Accomac and Northampton, yet we have sent a fine company to Gloucester Point, (Capt. James,) and would send others, were our citizens willing that the young men should leave us unprotected on the sea-coast.
The County Court at its last session issued script to meet the expenses incident to the formation of two companies, which have been mustered into service at the suggestion of those in authority in your city.
The Court-House and Odd-Fellows hall are now their barracks, the former is occupied by a well officered and thoroughly drilled infantry corps, Chesapeake Guard, Capt. Garnett; the latter by an able and efficient artillery corps, Capt. Armistead, having four six-pounders --two of which were presented to the county some time since, by one of her devoted and active citizens Capt. John Foster.
Both companies have a dress parade every afternoon, under charge of Col. Bohannon, of whom I may here speak, without flattery, as a field-officer.
From youth he has studied tactics with such an interest as to qualify himself thoroughly for the office which he now holds, to which he does such credit as to make him worthy of some higher position in our State forces.
He possesses in an eminent degree every trait of character, which is calculated to inspire confidence in those subordinate in position.
Agricultural pursuits, and in fact near every vocation, are abandoned for the cause in which all true men feel a profound interest.
Even the ministers of the various denominations are to be found in the ranks as privates.
Everything is executed in strict accordance with military rules.
The soldiers meet morning and evening to listen to prayers, which are offered by Rev'ds Messrs. Hundley and Council.
Last week four Yankees were captured and questioned here, to which their replies were that they had come here to get water to allay the thirst induced by a hasty desertion from Old Point.
What they said about their appearance was received with great allowance, as it looked somewhat likely they had come as spies, appearing so early after five negroes bed reached Old Point from here, who doubtless revealed to the enemy our military condition and accessible situation.
If we are represented as weak and defenceless, let them act upon the statement, and perhaps they will find another masked battery like the one the North reports at Great Bethel.
A lady, just from the North, whither she has been for the past few weeks, reports that the fear of the enemy has been raised to its highest pitch by the press, saying that both Davis and Beauregard have been among them, disguised in the habiliments of a vender of ground-peas and newspapers.
The Northern cities are drooping over lost Southern trade, and their dull aspect indicate the future fatality of their manufacturing and other interests.
They, of course, approve the war spirit of the Western barbarians, and look now upon Maryland with a suspicious eye, because of the recent Union election in the State, which is considered an effort to cover their secret preparations to strike colors with us in the conflict.
She is ready to embrace our side as soon as the faintest whisper reaches her people that we will meet mid way on the glorious march to wrest our country from the despot at Washington, whose Administration, thus far, will leave a darker and more odious stain upon our history than the Legislative Assembly of France, during the eighteenth century, made upon hers.
The names of the present Cabinet officers will excite more contempt from future generations than such as Danton, Murat, and Robespierre, of French Revolution notoriety.
The recent action of the Convention, in passing a coastwise guard bill, is highly approved by our people, who appreciate any thing looking to protection.
Frederick. 